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Rivulets of the Absolute: Healing Ground in the Ancient Tamil Siddha Tradition
India. For many, the word brings visions of ancient traditions and deep India, a land that even the British Empire at its zenith could not tame. Today, many seek her out for age-old spiritual and healing secrets, hoping to find the keys to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. In Rivulets of the Absolute , Stephen Grissom takes the reader along his intense search through India in quest of spiritual purification. Upon meeting his guru, Grissom finds a home in the ancient esoteric clan of the Tamil Siddhas . As his odyssey into the enigmatical path of the Siddhas continues, it takes him through the deepest realms of the human psyche. Grissom’s first hand account gives profound insight into human nature, as the book details the many spiritual disciplines and arts of these primal Masters, including healing, metallurgy, and the occult encounter of numerous spirits and deities. Equally fascinating and transformative, this book is destined to enhance the journey of all spiritual seekers.
416 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 26, 2016
The idea of a healthy mind, body and spirit has been the pursuit of mankind throughout history. Unfortunately, the importance of that idea has become more of a trite phrase then the sound principle it should be to everyone at all interested in living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life. As an osteopathic trained physician practicing in one of central Florida’s larger adult medicine offices, I found Stephen Grissom’s advanced review copy of Rivulets of the Absolute to be a fascinating, new and necessary approach to learn and appreciate the human body’s own innate healing powers.
I highly recommend the book to my patients and to anyone interested in improving their life through healing concepts that are time honored and professionally recognized even as they remain too little practiced or understood by the general public. This book captures the intriguing spiritual and healing concepts of the ancient Tamil Siddha tradition and presents them in interesting, easy to understand terms. Grissom gracefully waltzes the reader through all aspects of these traditions while intertwining his fascinating personal experiences and calling to his life’s purpose. The reader’s insight is gained through the author’s own personal “modern day” experiences living a “western” lifestyle while incorporating the lessons that were taught to him by the Tamil Siddha healer, Pal Pandian. This thought provoking book inspires the reader to dig deep into the soul while searching for the true meaning of life.
This book is the first of its kind and is sure to engage even the casual reader that is unafraid to allow his own mind the freedom to exercise itself in thoughtful discourse over the reflections and anecdotes Grissom eloquently presents. The idea of a healthy mind and body being important for a healthy life is not a new one. However, as current health statistics indicate, modern society seems to take on more unhealthy attributes to the individual’s detriment. Rivulets is a refreshing and enjoyable step in the right direction to improving your health in a complete and holistic way. While, like me, I expect you are not familiar with the Tamil Siddha tradition, it is my pleasure to recommend this book because I know you will find its lessons as relevant and easily applicable to everyday life as did I.
Eleanor Davina, DO
I highly recommend the book to my patients and to anyone interested in improving their life through healing concepts that are time honored and professionally recognized even as they remain too little practiced or understood by the general public. This book captures the intriguing spiritual and healing concepts of the ancient Tamil Siddha tradition and presents them in interesting, easy to understand terms. Grissom gracefully waltzes the reader through all aspects of these traditions while intertwining his fascinating personal experiences and calling to his life’s purpose. The reader’s insight is gained through the author’s own personal “modern day” experiences living a “western” lifestyle while incorporating the lessons that were taught to him by the Tamil Siddha healer, Pal Pandian. This thought provoking book inspires the reader to dig deep into the soul while searching for the true meaning of life.
This book is the first of its kind and is sure to engage even the casual reader that is unafraid to allow his own mind the freedom to exercise itself in thoughtful discourse over the reflections and anecdotes Grissom eloquently presents. The idea of a healthy mind and body being important for a healthy life is not a new one. However, as current health statistics indicate, modern society seems to take on more unhealthy attributes to the individual’s detriment. Rivulets is a refreshing and enjoyable step in the right direction to improving your health in a complete and holistic way. While, like me, I expect you are not familiar with the Tamil Siddha tradition, it is my pleasure to recommend this book because I know you will find its lessons as relevant and easily applicable to everyday life as did I.
Eleanor Davina, DO
June 27, 2016
I have received an advanced copy of “Rivulets of the Absolute” a few months back. It was a delight to read the book, as the author takes you in an indulging way to the ancient healing and spiritual arts and sciences of the Siddhas of Tamil Nadu, India.
I love how the author makes it clear that one can’t distinguish between the Siddhas themselves and the vast knowledge they bring about. He indicates in so many ways how their knowledge system is embedded in their own being. It’s clear that this book is an outcome of the author’s deep dedication to his Guru and all what he writes about is a fruition of this relationship.
He writes about his many years of experience in Siddha Varma Healing (Varma Kalai), Siddha Tantra, Siddha Yoga, Siddha Kaya Kalpa, inner and outer alchemy, etc. He clarifies many misunderstandings about Tantra and Vasi Yogam, by speaking about his first-hand experience in these arts.
For anyone interested in the secretive oral tradition of the Siddhas and their vast knowledge system, this books gives you an overview as well as an in-depth look. This book is a first, in terms of bringing to light the various ancient techniques and knowledge of the Siddhas.
To sum this review up, this book is a beautiful genuine tribute from Steve Grissom to the Siddhas of Tamil Nadu and especially to his Guru. He writes this book solely from his own experience from journeying through the different healing and spiritual dimensions of the Siddha lineage of Pal Pandian.
I love how the author makes it clear that one can’t distinguish between the Siddhas themselves and the vast knowledge they bring about. He indicates in so many ways how their knowledge system is embedded in their own being. It’s clear that this book is an outcome of the author’s deep dedication to his Guru and all what he writes about is a fruition of this relationship.
He writes about his many years of experience in Siddha Varma Healing (Varma Kalai), Siddha Tantra, Siddha Yoga, Siddha Kaya Kalpa, inner and outer alchemy, etc. He clarifies many misunderstandings about Tantra and Vasi Yogam, by speaking about his first-hand experience in these arts.
For anyone interested in the secretive oral tradition of the Siddhas and their vast knowledge system, this books gives you an overview as well as an in-depth look. This book is a first, in terms of bringing to light the various ancient techniques and knowledge of the Siddhas.
To sum this review up, this book is a beautiful genuine tribute from Steve Grissom to the Siddhas of Tamil Nadu and especially to his Guru. He writes this book solely from his own experience from journeying through the different healing and spiritual dimensions of the Siddha lineage of Pal Pandian.
June 21, 2016
This book is extraordinary, nothing less than phenomenal. The author has covered the vital the topics of Siddha Medicine, Siddha Varmam, Tantra, Alchemy and Vasi, the most secret aspect of Siddha with rare and refreshing firsthand experiences and delightful success achieved under the skillful guidance of a Graceful and extremely rare Teacher. This profoundly inspiring work covers every aspect of Siddha and no doubt that the author has gifted the world a complete Siddha book, for which the Tamil society and the whole world will be indebted to him.
Being in the field of Siddha (medicine) for more than 25 years, I can assuredly declare that I have never come across a book like this. It was a happy surprise to feel the originality shining brightly through each and every page. Once completing this book, one cannot escape getting the feeling that theories of Siddhas are all true and Their path can be treaded along with a right Teacher.
Yes, this book one of the most fascinating and equally transformative. Easily among the best I have ever read. Absolutely indispensable for any spiritual seeker and anybody interested in the healing realms of the Masters - The Siddhas.
Being in the field of Siddha (medicine) for more than 25 years, I can assuredly declare that I have never come across a book like this. It was a happy surprise to feel the originality shining brightly through each and every page. Once completing this book, one cannot escape getting the feeling that theories of Siddhas are all true and Their path can be treaded along with a right Teacher.
Yes, this book one of the most fascinating and equally transformative. Easily among the best I have ever read. Absolutely indispensable for any spiritual seeker and anybody interested in the healing realms of the Masters - The Siddhas.
June 20, 2016
Receiving a review copy was nice, and having read it, can say that this book is a ray of hope for all those who, like Steve , have wandered through umpteen spiritual paths searching for the authentic one.
His journey has a refreshing dose of intrigue as he describes how his sadhana is so responsive and fluid. It just goes to show that if one is sincere in his practice and is under the guidance of a guru, the siddhas spiritual journey never stagnates or dwindles.
I loved reading about Steve's love for his Teacher. Such love, faith and sincerity is so rare today . Reading rivulets of the absolute one is convinced that the Siddha tradition is active and available for its sincere devotees, and that there are still a few teachers who still know how to guide a true aspirant along the actual path of grace.
A book of immeasurable value for all spiritual aspirants.
His journey has a refreshing dose of intrigue as he describes how his sadhana is so responsive and fluid. It just goes to show that if one is sincere in his practice and is under the guidance of a guru, the siddhas spiritual journey never stagnates or dwindles.
I loved reading about Steve's love for his Teacher. Such love, faith and sincerity is so rare today . Reading rivulets of the absolute one is convinced that the Siddha tradition is active and available for its sincere devotees, and that there are still a few teachers who still know how to guide a true aspirant along the actual path of grace.
A book of immeasurable value for all spiritual aspirants.
June 21, 2016
I read the review copy of Rivulets of the Absolute by S.Grissom and I can confidently recommend it. It is definitely an excellent read.
This book is quite unusual. I haven’t come across another of its kind. As it is the Siddha Tradition is mysterious and not known to many in India, let alone in the west. There are NO books available in English I believe. This is the FIRST.
Instead of ravaging through scores of chapters of repetitive theory it is so so helpful to read about someone speak of their personal experience which clearly establishes the effectiveness of this ancient tradition.
The conversation mode carries you easily through the book and it makes it easier to grasp the otherwise rather vague concepts that are listed so dryly in other theory or academic based books.
Thanks to Steve for writing his personal experiences so boldly and candidly.
This book is quite unusual. I haven’t come across another of its kind. As it is the Siddha Tradition is mysterious and not known to many in India, let alone in the west. There are NO books available in English I believe. This is the FIRST.
Instead of ravaging through scores of chapters of repetitive theory it is so so helpful to read about someone speak of their personal experience which clearly establishes the effectiveness of this ancient tradition.
The conversation mode carries you easily through the book and it makes it easier to grasp the otherwise rather vague concepts that are listed so dryly in other theory or academic based books.
Thanks to Steve for writing his personal experiences so boldly and candidly.
June 21, 2016
Grissom is a healer with an ongoing spiritual journey. It makes his work reliable and eligible.
People who already are aware of the Siddha tradition would know of the word VASI. It is highly sought after and is as elusive as a needle in a haystack. Surprisingly Stephen Grissom has spoken about it. It is so rare and secretive that his mention of it and the depths he has covered in his writings, makes his book a complete novelty.
Many students search masters for the Vasi teachings but in vain. Many learn only the superficial or bogus things. But Stephens experience is evidence that he is on the actual Vasi path. Amazing and truly inspiring
People who already are aware of the Siddha tradition would know of the word VASI. It is highly sought after and is as elusive as a needle in a haystack. Surprisingly Stephen Grissom has spoken about it. It is so rare and secretive that his mention of it and the depths he has covered in his writings, makes his book a complete novelty.
Many students search masters for the Vasi teachings but in vain. Many learn only the superficial or bogus things. But Stephens experience is evidence that he is on the actual Vasi path. Amazing and truly inspiring
June 24, 2016
Stephen Grissom has gifted us most insightful and exciting truths in Rivulets of the Absolute. He guides the reader through the enigmatic world of the Siddha's ancient hidden teachings as well as the author's own spiritual journey in South India.
Within some aspects of Ancient Tamil Siddha history are revealed and explained so simply for the very first time. In this book Stephen vividly retells his spiritual and learning experiences to the benefit of all who read.
This is a book to be read more than once! Ponder and experience. If this sounds the least bit intriguing to you, I implore you, please read it.
What one reads within cannot be learned elsewhere.
Within some aspects of Ancient Tamil Siddha history are revealed and explained so simply for the very first time. In this book Stephen vividly retells his spiritual and learning experiences to the benefit of all who read.
This is a book to be read more than once! Ponder and experience. If this sounds the least bit intriguing to you, I implore you, please read it.
What one reads within cannot be learned elsewhere.
June 20, 2016
An attractive, informative account of a western sadhaka in the Indian Siddha Tradition.
Steve’s writing style is descriptive and any devotee of God or the Absolute will be glad to read about his spiritual experiences. It is inspiring and helpful to see Steve’s attitude towards the Divine.
I would pay most heed to the last chapter – The Bitter Truth – it is insightful and bitterly truthful.
Steve’s writing style is descriptive and any devotee of God or the Absolute will be glad to read about his spiritual experiences. It is inspiring and helpful to see Steve’s attitude towards the Divine.
I would pay most heed to the last chapter – The Bitter Truth – it is insightful and bitterly truthful.
June 23, 2016
I received an advanced copy of “Rivulets of the Absolute”. An absolutely wonderful and well written book which I can highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews